Which lighting system do you use for macro photography?

[MSidPhoto]

Hey Everyone!

I have seen a lot of macro shots on the forum. Some have been taken by professional and some by amateurs. These shots have included varies incests, reptiles and flowers etc. I myself am a macro photography enthusiast. What I wanted to ask was what lighting system do YOU use for macro photography? Or which lighting system do you think is the best for macro photography?

I'll appreciate if you can explain your lighting systems by posting photos of them. I use a Ring Light for macro photography. Hope to learn something from you all. Thanks a lot.


Regards,
MSidPhoto.

[i speak in math]

You can see most of my macro shots by clicking on the bee picture. The later ones are better, imo, as I have gained more experience and figured out my lighting. So, scroll down.


I get great results like this


and this


using the pop up flash and a plastic "crystal light" drink mix tube with the label removed attached to my camera with a rubber band like this

[MSidPhoto]

Hey! Pretty amazing shots! Your lighting is so simple as compared to your results. Nice stuff.

I can see in the photo that you are using extension tubes. Would be really helpful if you could tell me the lens combination you use for such macros.

And thanks a lot. Your comment was very helpful indeed.
I'm looking forward to more ideas from the other people on the forum. Lets see what they use.


Regards,
MSidPhoto (previously KazeFox)
KazeFox - change in username

[i speak in math]

Originally Posted by MSidPhoto

Hey! Pretty amazing shots! Your lighting is so simple as compared to your results. Nice stuff.

I can see in the photo that you are using extension tubes. Would be really helpful if you could tell me the lens combination you use for such macros.

Thanks. I'm using an old (from 1975) pentax smc 50mm f/1.4 (K series) lens I got from KEH.com for $50. Then 36mm, 20mm and 12mm extension tubes that I use either all together (for most magnification), individually or in any combination of 2 to get the framing I want.

[MSidPhoto]

Thanks a lot.
I too have a 50mm F1.4 Minolta AF lens. Will try it with extension tubes sometime and see the results.

[sybren]

This one was shot with a M42 macro bellows and an Auto Revuenon 55mm f/1.7 manual focus lens. I connected the lot with a convertor ring (2nd hand for €11,- a piece) to my Canon EOS 7D. The light was from a Speedlite 580EXII with a Lumiquest III at top right, and a bare 430EXII from camera left.

[MSidPhoto]

Hmm..nice sharp shot.

Thanks for sharing your technique. ^_^

[a.i]

hahahha, i like the flash tube



excellent pics